South African Chenin Blanc Special

Even though apartheid ended decades ago, the effects are still felt through the local communities. As part of his commitment to his employees and the community, Alex Dale (of Radford Dale wines) created a trust called The Land of Hope, which provides scholarships to the children and dependents of his employees. Alex states, “From the start, we decided to focus on education. Why? Because you can’t build a new society without giving its young people the intellectual capacity to take themselves – let alone their community – to the next level. We think that giving a first-rate education to every child or dependent of our Previously Disadvantaged Individual employees is the ideal way to reward our team members for their loyalty, beyond-the-call-of-duty work ethic, and dedication over the past two decades”. 

Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted grape in South Africa, yet when apartheid ended, little respect was shown to this truly delicious varietal because it had really only been used to distill cheap brandy and jug wine. 

Instead of focusing solely on grapes labeled “premium” by the wine industry (think Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot, etc), Alex Dale decided to create a wine that elevated the humble and mistreated Chenin Blanc. Handpicked and aged in Burgundian French oak barrels, Land of Hope Chenin Blanc is just rich enough to satisfy the most discerning palate and just acidic enough to be refreshing; the perfect balance. 

With ripe stone fruits and tropical fruits on the nose, a nutty richness on the palate, and a balancing fresh acidity, we recommend enjoying with roasted white meats and Asian-spiced dishes (particularly fish). 

Chenin Blanc is now South Africa’s signature white grape but it wasn’t always that way. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that Chenin Blanc was primarily used for low-quality, bulk wine. As the wine industry in South Africa re-emerged on to the world scene, many vineyards were ripping out Chenin Blanc in place of more well-known grapes.

However, Alex Dale, the master winemaker behind the Winery of Good Hope, and several other winemakers saw the potential for the disgraced grape and attempted to make something great out of it. In so doing, they helped to forge a new signature grape for South Africa.

This wine is actually made from old bush vines – vines that were prevented from being ripped out and are some of the relatively few remaining old vines containing Chenin Blanc in the country. This stunner is a wonderfully lively, intense, fruity and beautifully balanced dry Chenin Blanc. Aromas of green apples and white peach invite the juicy, yet taut palate. Depth of fruit is what sets this wine apart. It shows great persistence of flavor and freshness that lingers on the palate long after the wine has gone. Very individual, the character of this wine makes it a perfect companion to warm summer days and long balmy evenings.